Dogs love getting a special treat. But some dog treats are better than others. It’s okay to treat your pet, but it’s important to keep their health in mind as well.
Smaller dogs can’t have as many treats or calories as bigger dogs. But that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy something flavorful. Here are the five top healthy treats for small dogs.
What You Already Have In Your Kitchen
There are many treats that you can give your dog that can be found in your fridge and pantry. Here are just a few of the delicious and nutritious treats you can give them;
- A small spoonful of peanut butter (without xylitol)
- A boiled or scrambled egg
- Watermelon
- Blueberries
- Banana
- Rotisserie chicken (skin and visible fat removed)
- Baked sweet potato
And these options are just a few of the treats you can give your pet. There are other treats in your fridge and pantry that you can offer them as well. Just keep in mind that there are some treats and food items that can be toxic to your dogs, and remember not to feed those items to them.
Jerky Treats
Do you love jerky? Most likely, your dog does too. Of course, smaller dogs shouldn’t overeat jerky, but a piece or two is a nice treat. When choosing a jerky treat, be sure that it’s high-quality, and if possible, made with minimal ingredients.
Many jerky dog treats are made with one to three ingredients, with the main ingredient being the protein source. You can choose a variety of proteins too, including chicken, duck, beef, bison, and even fish.
Keep in mind that some small dogs may have trouble chewing on the larger piece of dog jerky. If you notice your dog having difficulty chewing, feel free to offer smaller jerky sticks or tear up the larger jerky pieces.
Soft Baked Treats
Soft baked treats are easy to chew and come in smaller sizes that are perfect for little dogs. Plus, they come in a variety of flavors, both savory and sweet. And, if you need a few extra nutrients, some of these treats also have extra vitamins and minerals baked right in.
For many small dogs, calorie intake is less than bigger dogs. But with many soft baked treats, you can give your small dog a treat or two for less than 15 calories each. Of course, treats should never be overfed to your dog. But soft baked treats offer variety and more treats without all the calories.
If your dog has a history of anxiety or pent up energy, and you’re looking for treats that can help calm them down, you can also look at soft baked CBD treats.
Freeze Dried Treats
If you’re looking for a more natural or even organic treat, freeze dried treats are a great option. Many of these treats start with organic ingredients that are then dried without preservatives or extras. Then, they are packaged up and sent off.
In fact, many freeze dried treats are just one ingredient. And, they come in many different flavors. If your dog prefers savory food, freeze dried treats made from chicken or bison would be a great option. If they prefer sweets, there are freeze dried fruits and vegetables (like sweet potato strips and apple slices) that they can enjoy as well.
Small Training Treats
Have a puppy or dog that you’re trying to train? Tiny training treats are a great way to motivate and keep calories to a minimum. Just like with all other treats, try to find treats that keep ingredients to a minimum, and that use quality ingredients.
Also, many of these treats come in a variety of textures and flavors as well. You can choose between sweet and savory, soft or crunchy, and even different shapes and colors. Dogs can easily get bored of having the same treat over and over. So feel free to try a variety of different training treats.
Top Healthy Treats For Small Dogs
There are so many different healthy treats for small dogs. The key is to find the treats with textures and flavors that your dog enjoys. From there, you’ll be able to treat your dog and show them you love and appreciate them.